Wildlife Club
Wildlife
Bonnie is one of the American black bears rescued by Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, and her journey to safety was not an easy one. Born in captivity, Bonnie and her sisters, MaryAnn and Ginger, were part of a careless breeding operation where bears were raised to be sold. The breeder frequently had more animals than they could properly care for, leaving Bonnie and her siblings in poor conditions.
With nowhere to roam and inadequate care, the bears often escaped the property and were found wandering the streets of Ohio. Their repeated escapes eventually led to the involvement of Fish & Wildlife officials, who intervened and placed the trio in our care in 2005. Here at Popcorn Park, they finally found a home where they would be safe, well cared for, and free to live out their lives in peace.
Now in her golden years, Bonnie enjoys the quiet comfort of her spacious habitat, where she spends her days lounging, exploring, and, of course, cooling off in her pool. While she and her sister MaryAnn have always shared a special bond, as they’ve aged, they have come to value their personal space. They now live side by side in separate habitats, where they can enjoy companionship at a comfortable distance. Sadly, their sister Ginger has since passed away, but Bonnie and MaryAnn continue to thrive, surrounded by the love and care they deserve.
Black bears like Bonnie are incredibly intelligent and curious, and caring for them requires a specialized diet, enrichment, veterinary care, and plenty of space to roam. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Bonnie has everything she needs to enjoy her days in peace, far removed from the hardships of her early years.
Would you like to be part of Bonnie’s journey? By sponsoring her, you help ensure she continues to receive the best care possible. Your support provides her with the nutritious food, medical care, and enrichment she needs to stay happy and healthy. Please consider sponsoring Bonnie today!
